Volkswagen is preparing a pivot in its North American electric vehicle strategy. The German automaker has unveiled the new ID. Tiguan, a fully electric crossover intended to directly replace the ID.4, which has been on sale in Canada since 2021.
Ditching the alphanumeric naming scheme in favour of the established Tiguan moniker, —one of its top-selling global nameplates, seems a logical move. The ID.4 has only been middlingly successful, and with the electric Tiguan Volkswagen hopes to bridge the gap between its traditional buyers and its EV portfolio.
Note that the internal-combustion Tiguan will continue to sell alongside its battery-powered sibling.
When will the Volkswagen ID. Tiguan be available in Canada?
While the European market is getting the ID. Tiguan in early 2027 as a 2027 model, Canadian buyers will likely see the electric SUV arrive later next year as a 2028 model.
Design of the 2028 Volkswagen ID. Tiguan
Moving away from the rounded, bulbous styling of the ID.4, the ID. Tiguan adopts Volkswagen’s “Pure Positive” design language. The new look emphasizes sharp lines, sculpted surfaces, a higher beltline and a prominent front black panel integrating an illuminated VW emblem and a full-width light bar.
Volkswagen is also ditching the electronic door handles that plagued the ID.4. That mechanism triggered major recalls and forced sales halts across North America due to water intrusion and unlatching risks. The ID. Tiguan returns to mechanical, pull-type door handles to ensure long-term durability.
At the front, the SUV also gains a front storage compartment (frunk), a feature notably missing on the ID.4. It adds 32 litres of storage space to the rear cargo area’s 534 litres of rear cargo space.
Interior of the 2028 Volkswagen ID. Tiguan
From the look of it, interior ergonomics take a step forward, addressing the primary criticisms of earlier Volkswagen EVs, namely:
Physical steering wheel controls - Real tactile buttons replace the frustrating touch-haptic pads on the steering wheel spokes.
Dedicated window switches - The driver-side armrest restores individual controls for all four power windows, eliminating the two-switch toggle system.
Conventional climate & audio controls - Physical knobs and buttons return for climate adjustments and volume control.
The cabin features a 10-inch digital instrument cluster and a 15-inch central touchscreen. An optional 12-inch passenger display uses a privacy filter to allow video viewing without distracting the driver.
A nostalgic "Retro Mode" re-creates the iconic blue-and-red gauge cluster graphics of the fourth-generation Golf (Golf IV).
Additional interior upgrades include dual Qi2 wireless charging pads with magnetic alignment, available ventilated and massaging seats, and a 480-watt Harman Kardon premium audio system.
Powertrains of the 2028 Volkswagen ID. Tiguan
The ID. Tiguan rides on the evolved MEB+ platform. Volkswagen has detailed three powertrains for European launch, which could be different for the Canadian offering when it does arrive. Here’s what the Old Continent is getting:
1) The base RWD model has a single motor and delivers an output of 190 hp from the 58-kWh battery. Towing capacity is set at 1,800 kg (3,968 lb).
2) The Long Range RWD model delivers 286 hp thanks to a larger 77-kWh battery, with towing capacity climbing to 2,000 kg (4,409 lb).
3) The 4MOTION AWD model gets two electric motors and the 77-kWh battery and is good for 299 hp.
Maximum European WLTP estimated range reaches 600 km, which equates to roughly 500 to 514 km in North America.
The vehicle comes with a true one-pedal driving mode, which allows full deceleration via regenerative braking, as well as an upgraded Connected Travel Assist suite capable of automated highway lane changes and traffic light recognition.
